From the Dark Sky Park
Program Director
I
Mary Stewart Adams
n ages gone by, community life was organized around the
observance of celestial phenomena, so it was natural that
the sites where this observing took place became the
locations where life’s most
significant moments were
celebrated. This was the way that
former cultures honored the role
of the human being within the
larger cosmic rhythm, not merely
by thinking human beings lived
at the center, but by recognizing
the role of cosmic rhythms in
centering the activity of human life. At Headlands, we strive
to be stewards of this tradition through our programming,
recognizing that an experience of Emmet County’s majestic
shoreline landscape can inspire an equally significant
contemplation in each of us of the universe within. It is our
hope that when you visit Headlands, you will come to know
the inner harmony that results from surrendering to this
natural wonder all around us.
Mary can be reached at (231) 348-1713 or email
[email protected]
Admission into the park, including access to
the shoreline viewing area and trails, is free of
charge, and many programs are also free. A
few of the 2017 programs will require a paid
admission, as indicated on the other side of this
brochure.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
It is a park or other protected public land possessing exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where
light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable
as an important educational, cultural, scientific and natural
resource. The designation is made by the International
Dark-Sky Association in Tucson, Ariz. (www.darksky.org)
How many such parks are there?
In 2011, Headlands was one of only nine international
dark sky parks worldwide, six of which were in the U.S.
Due to public demand for greater access to natural darkness, as well as the success of the IDA’s Dark Sky Park
program, there are now over 40 such parks worldwide, and
the number is growing! For the most up-to-date list, please
visit www.darksky.org, where you can also pledge your
support. Emmet County’s Headlands property remains the
only internationally designated dark sky park in Michigan.
Heading to Headlands
15675 Headlands Road
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
General, program info: (231) 348-1704
Guest House reservations: (231) 436-4051
[email protected]
What can I see overhead at the park?
DARK SKY PARK
at the Headlands
Michigan’s International Dark Sky Park!
Inside: 2017 Dark Sky Park
program schedule!
What will I find at the Headlands?
• 600 acres of pristine, old-growth forest;
• 4 1/2 miles of trails (year ‘round, non-motorized use);
• A self-guided cell phone tour, plus the Dark Sky
Discovery Trail of planetary stations highlighting
astronomical and cultural discoveries throughout history;
• 2 1/2 miles of frontage on Lake Michigan, where an
estimated 80+ shipwrecks lie;
• One overnight residence for rent, accommodating 20+
• The NEW Waterfront Event Center opening June 2017! Complete rental details: MIdarkskypark.org
EMMET COUNTY, MICHIGAN
The Headlands is located
2 miles west of downtown
Mackinaw City, Emmet County
in Northwest Lower Michigan.
The Headlands is located north of the 45th parallel, which
means it is closer to the North Pole than the equator,
affording exceptional views of the five North ‘circumpolar’
constellations including Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco,
Cassiopeia and Cepheus. The Milky Way, major meteor
showers, solar and lunar eclipses and comets are all visible from the Headlands.
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are also visible in
Northern Michigan, though difficult to predict. They seem to
be more prevalent at the times of Equinox (late March and
September). Scientists believe they are caused by electromagnetic storms on the Sun. Go to NASA’s web site,
www.spaceweather.com, for updates.
Visit our Facebook page for daily updates; for complete
park and program info: MIdarkskypark.org
On the cover and background: Aurora at Headlands,
Scott Castelein/Lake Street Media
www.MIdarkskypark.org
2017 Dark Sky Park events
Heads Up at headlands
The Headlands is open 24 hours a day, every day, at no
charge. Visitors are welcomed to stay through the night for
dark-sky viewing (camping units are not permitted). Dress for
temperatures 10 degrees below what you expect. This is a
protected wilderness area, which means no white light is
allowed in the viewing area and observance of the natural
quiet is requested. Visitors can use the park at any time for
stargazing or trail exploration; below are programs that are
also open to the public.
Of special note:
■ Construction of the Waterfront Event Center and observatory continues through June 2017. Since Headlands remains
open during construction, this portion of the property is closed
to public access, and parking is limited to the entrance. The
viewing area is one mile from the parking area and guests must
be prepared to walk this one mile in and out of the site unless
otherwise noted in program descriptions.
■ Programs take place rain or shine and no reservations are
required unless otherwise noted.
■ Several programs in 2017 require a ticket, as indicated by
the $ sign. Fees will vary. Admission into the park is free.
SATURDAY, JAN. 28
DARKEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WITH WINTER’S MOON
5-7 p.m. Guest House
January’s New Moon carries the promise of deep darkness
for finding the stars and constellations that are used to
determine the celestial new year, not only in the Chinese
Calendar, but in the Native American and Christian
cultures as well. We’ll follow with winter stargazing.
SATURDAY, FEB. 11
THE ROMANCE OF THE STARS
7-8:30 p.m. Guest House, with special guest
In the heart of winter as we prepare to celebrate love at
Valentine’s Day, Headlands will host special guest Laszlo
Slomovitz of Ann Arbor with his project of setting the mystic
poems of Rumi and Hafiz to song. From the cultural
perspective, poetry is the closest we can come to the
stars. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. $
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
CATCH A FALLING STAR ... ON CAMERA!
4-8 p.m. Guest House
Night sky and aurora photographer extraordinaire Shawn
Malone is back by popular demand for an exciting handson lecture and workshop, just as Spring Equinox approaches and the aurora get more active! Reservations required at
(231) 348-1713. $
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
BEYOND THE TELESCOPE
8-10 p.m. NEW Waterfront Event Center Observatory
Headlands partners with Michigan State University and
organizations around the Great Lakes State to celebrate
Statewide Astronomy Night (SWAN) at our observatory
facility, to preview the Roger McCormick 20″ PlaneWave
telescope for peering deeply into the sky.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FORUM ANNUAL LUNCHEON
12-1:30 p.m. Location, details TBA $
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK
8-10 p.m. NEW Waterfront Event Center
Kick off International Dark Sky Week under the falling stars
of the Lyrid Meteor Shower at Headlands, where story and
song will accompany guests into the night!
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
John Hill Photography
night sky with the talented John Hill, who has been
capturing the starry skies over Headlands in rare style!
Reservations are required at (231) 348-1713. $
Join a virtual interview with author Dr. Tyler Nordgren,
Professor of Physics and Astronomy, known widely through
his poster art and programs with National Park Service. $
SATURDAY, SEPT. 23
7:30-8:30 p.m., Waterfront Event Center, with special guest
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
GRAND OPENING OF THE WATERFRONT
EVENT CENTER!
Time TBA
Celebrate the influence of the stars in the cultural life of
humanity and the natural wonders of Emmet County at the
grand of opening the Waterftont Event Center and Observatory, with music, fine art, great food, and special guests!
AUTUMN EQUINOX IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
7-9 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
The balance has been struck and at tonight’s program we
will follow Sun and Moon across the western horizon into the
story and wonder of the growing dark.
FRIDAY, OCT. 6
HARVEST MOON AT HEADLANDS
7-10 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
It’s the season of Harvest Moon - a time to dance and
celebrate the bounty of Earth and the shining stars! $
SATURDAY, JULY 1
SATURDAY, OCT. 21
9-11 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
8-10 p.m. Park entrance to Waterfront Event Center
NATURE’S FIREWORKS WITH THE GIANTS
The Roman gods Saturn and Jupiter were known to the
Ancient Greeks as Cronus and Zeus, a father and son with
a dynamic fate that lends itself to celebrating a summer
weekend of fireworks. Peek through our telescope to view
the Saturn giant and his Olympian son, Jupiter.
With waxing crescent Moon hung at the water’s edge,
tonight is an ideal night to spend at Headlands, taking
photos, holding hands, and wishing on the stars that give
dark sky week its meaning.
9-11 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
DELTA AQUARID METEOR SHOWER
The waxing crescent Moon sets a romantic stage for a
beautiful summer shower of falling stars. Come early for
the program, and stay late for making wishes! Moon sets at
midnight, and the meteor shower is strongest after that.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE NIGHT SKY, WITH JOHN HILL
FRIDAY, AUG. 11
It’s the season of our anniversary as the world’s 9th
International Dark Sky Park! Learn how to photograph the
9-11 p.m. Waterfront Event Center for Perseid program
6 to 11 p.m. NEW Waterfront Event Center
2 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
PREPARING FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE
FRIDAY, JULY 28
SATURDAY, MAY 6
THE GREAT AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE
If you aren’t able to get into the path of totality for the
biggest celestial event of the year, you can view part of it
through the solar telescope at Headlands but PLEASE
NOTE: Only a partial eclipse will be visible from Headlands.
SATURDAY, MAY 20
CLOSING CELEBRATION OF DARK SKY WEEK
Time, location TBA
MONDAY, AUG. 21
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER & LIGHTS OUT
Look for Lights Out Challenge details online.
9TH ANNUAL HEADLANDS CHALLENGE!
Not only do we dare you to walk a candlelit mile through the
starry woods, this year “walk like an Egyptian” in honor of
the constellation Orionand the peak of his Meteor Shower
this weekend.
FRIDAY, NOV.17
LEONID METEOR SHOWER
8-10 p.m. Waterfront Event Center
The Lion shakes out his starry mane overnight Friday the
17th to Saturday the 18th, so we will gather early for our
program and then guests can stay late under the dark
phase of the Moon to count the Lion’s falling stars.
THURSDAY, DEC. 21
WINTER SOLSTICE AT WATERFRONT EVENT CENTER
4 p.m. to prepare for sunset on this shortest day of the year
We will gather in the sacred dark that accompanies the
natural quiet of the season, for the song and ceremony of
Earth and stars. $